9 Healthy, Satisfying Dutch Oven Recipes

February 29, 2024

Courtesy of From A Chef's Kitchen

We love our fancy gadgets as much as anyone – what did we do before our Instant Pot and air fryer? – but sometimes nothing will do but a good, old-fashioned Dutch oven. This kitchen workhorse can do it all, from searing, to simmering stews, to slow-roasting meats. We gathered up healthy, nourishing Dutch oven recipes to suit any taste. Bonus: These will make your kitchen smell amazing.

1. Cauliflower Chickpea Curry

Courtesy of Eat the Gains

This vibrant, fragrant Thai curry is plant based, and packed with fiber and other nutrients. Though we appreciate the slow cooking magic of Dutch oven recipes, this one happens to also be quick, read in 30 minutes.

Try this recipe from Eat the Gains.

2. Lemon Roasted Chicken

Courtesy of Grandbaby Cakes

Meet your new favorite Sunday dinner. With both light and dark meat chicken on the bone, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the simple seasonings – lemon, garlic, paprika – meld perfectly to make this dish extra comforting.

Try this recipe from Grandbaby Cakes.

3. Hearty Turkey Vegetable Soup

Courtesy of My Pocket Kitchen

One of our favorite Dutch oven recipes is this crowd-pleasing turkey (or chicken) soup, with plenty of vegetables and fresh herbs. It’s so satisfying, and bursting with good nutrition. Make it as written, or change up the vegetables and/or herbs based on what’s in your fridge.

Try this recipe from My Pocket Kitchen.

4. Ratatouille

Courtesy of From A Chef’s Kitchen

Layer upon layer of beautifully seasoned vegetables come together in your Dutch oven to create this classic Mediterranean dish. Enjoy it on its own with a whole grain or crusty bread, or have it as a side with chicken or fish. It’s even better the next day.

Try this recipe from From A Chef’s Kitchen.

5. Beef and Root Vegetable Stew

Courtesy of Sweet Cayenne

Butternut squash, turnips, and carrots, plus broth, red wine, and a touch of Dijon mustard give this rich beef stew plenty of depth. Along with lots of protein and iron, the chuck roast in this recipe is also full of collagen, which is good for glowing skin.

Try this recipe from Sweet Cayenne.

6. Steamed Mussels

Courtesy of The Mediterranean Dish

Mussels seem fancy, but they’re actually incredibly easy to cook, and budget friendly, too. No collection of healthy Dutch oven recipes would be complete without one for mussels. Steam them in this aromatic mixture of garlic, white wine, broth, and herbs, and get ready for a super-healthy meal that feels like a restaurant-worthy dish.

Try this recipe from The Mediterranean Dish.

7. Lentil Stew with Mushrooms and Spinach

Courtesy of Umami Girl

Lentil soup is a classic, but we also love a stew like this one, packed with mushrooms, spinach, and spices. Balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and tomato paste add plenty of umami to this plant-based dish.

Try this recipe from Umami Girl.

8. Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili

Courtesy of Nourish and Fete

Quinoa, sweet potatoes, black beans – this healthy Dutch oven recipe features so many of our favorite ingredients. Chipotle chili powder adds a satisfying smokiness, too. Enjoy this bowl, full of fiber, protein, and antioxidants, and don’t forget the toppings.

Try this recipe from Nourish and Fete.

9. Roast Leg of Lamb

Courtesy of Well Seasoned Studio

This classic braise feels special enough to showcase at a holiday meal – but it’s easy and economical enough for any weekend. Along with being delicious, lamb is rich in protein, iron, and B vitamins. Enjoy the falling-apart, flavorful meat with mashed potatoes (or a whole grain, like farro) and a simple veggie side.

Try this recipe from Well Seasoned Studio.